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Strategies for storm-tossed travelers

As Hurricane Sandy gains strength and takes aim at a wide swath of the East Coast, the menacing storm has already shredded travel plans thousands of miles away - and options are decidedly limited for those

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Strategies for storm-tossed travelers

Vacationer Kieth Ashner walks back to his hotel room after watching tidal surge from Hurricane Sandy come ashore at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, October 28, 2012. Airlines cancelled thousands of flights into and from airports along the US east coast ahead of the arrival of a major storm, officials said Sunday. Air France and other European airlines cancelled all flights into New York and Washington on Monday while US airlines called off thousands of domestic flights and moved planes away from east coast airports away from the path of Hurricane Sandy. New York airports stayed open Sunday but the airport authority warned passengers there will be major disruption in the next two days. AFP PHOTO/Jim WATSONJIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT: 155047275 ORIG FILE ID: 514942418(Photo: JIM WATSON AFP/Getty Images)

As Hurricane Sandy gains strength and takes aim at a wide swath of the East Coast, the menacing storm has already shredded travel plans from Hawaii to Europe — and options are decidedly limited for those trying to get out of or back into the region. A look at what to expect:

— Airlines canceled nearly 7,000 flights Sunday in an effort to get planes out of the storm's path, and most airports from the mid-Atlantic to Boston will suspend operations today as the storm moves ashore. If your flight is scrapped (or, as United's policy states, delayed more than two hours) you're entitled to a full refund; airlines have waived their change fees but require you to rebook and travel by Nov. 7 to avoid paying any difference in fares. Monitor airlines' and airports' websites (and Twitter feeds) for the latest updates, and expect long delays if you're calling an airline's 800 number.Power failures may keep airline employees from getting to airports to restart service once the worst of the storm passes.

— Amtrak is suspending all train service from Boston south to Raleigh, N.C., and from the East Coast to Chicago, New Orleans and Florida through Tuesday. Passengers can receive a refund or voucher for future travel.

— Hotels and vacation rentals, even those with nonrefundable rates, are issuing refunds or credits for future stays. Airbnb, for example, says travelers may be eligible for refunds under its "extenuating circumstances" policy, but warns that "any additional refunds may take several days for us to review and finalize."

And some hotels are offering storm specials: Kimpton hotels in New York City and Boston are discounting rates 20%, and in Washington, D.C., the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown has a special rate of $229, including parking and Wi-Fi.

If you're stranded at an airport, ask area hotels about discounted "distressed traveler rates" — but you may land an even better price by going through Hotwire or Priceline.

— Plan ahead for extended delays by making sure you have a list of airline and hotel contacts, electronic chargers and extra food in your carry-on bag (which, in itself, is a good strategy for minimizing headaches on unexpected tight connections).

— Check your insurance policy. According to Chris Harvey of the travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth, "if a traveler's home is rendered uninhabitable by a hurricane, their travel insurance policy may cover them to cancel their trip or come home early and receive reimbursement." The catch: You would have had to purchase the policy before Sandy was named a tropical storm.